Russia’s new nemesis: Armenia | The Bell
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Russia’s new nemesis: Armenia

Denis Kasyanchuk
Denis Kasyanchuk

Hello! This week we look at how the Kremlin has ramped up the pressure, rhetoric and sanctions on Armenia, ahead of elections this weekend that will determine if Yerevan continues down its pro-EU path.

Moscow launches trade war ahead of key Armenian vote

Russia’s efforts to secure its influence over one of its allies in the Caucasus have led to a full-scale trade war with Armenia. Amid Kremlin rhetoric laden with intimidation and threats ahead of parliamentary elections on Sunday, Armenia’s leadership faces a choice between pursuing closer ties with the European Union or sticking with the Moscow-led Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). Ukraine once faced the same choice — something Vladimir Putin has repeatedly pointed out in recent weeks. In Russia’s telling, it was Kyiv’s cozying up to Europe that set off events that led to the annexation of Crimea and the full-scale invasion.

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